Hautes Fagnes Scientific Station
The collections of the Haute-Ardenne ASBL and the Hautes Fagnes Scientific Station include a series of models of amphibians, reptiles, rodents, arachnids, insects, birds and mushrooms that illustrate the richness and diversity of the ecosystems of the Fagnes and the evolution of the landscapes from prehistory to the present day. We can observe species that are usual in our surroundings, as well as species more specific to mountain or subarctic climates. The collection of models also includes reconstructions of houses in Fagnard villages based on photographic documents (especially postcards) dating from the very beginning of the 20th century.
A herbarium of more than 3000 items dating for the most part from the first half of the 20th century, gathers plants from the high plateau of Flanders and the upper Ardennes. Two other herbariums are also available for consultation, made by amateur naturalists at the beginning of the 20th century.
Another valuable record of the past is the Scientific Station's logbooks. From 1924 to the mid-1950s, they record the scientific observations of the Station's first researchers, their comments and the day-to-day of their work, with occasional amusing anecdotes. These logs contain a great deal of unpublished scientific information.
Raising Awareness of Environmental Preservation
Courses and workshops are organised at the Station to discuss issues related to the preservation of the environment and the need to assess the long-term impact of human activities. The collections are used for educational purposes.
They are also the documentary basis of several works intended for a broad audience, such as Le Pavé Charlemagne, Textes fagnards (2 volumes), and Hautes-Fagnes : cartographie ancienne.
